The health of our animal companions is very important, so we must always provide them with the best care. In the case of cats, an essential practice is sterilization, which has become mandatory according to the recent Animal Welfare Law.
This measure aims to prevent overpopulation of cats and reduce cases of abandonment, although it also carries the risk of our kittens developing obesity. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the specific needs of our sterilized felines to ensure their well-being and prevent possible health problems.
Although there is a broad consensus on the benefits of feline sterilization to prevent unwanted pregnancies, diseases and problematic behaviors, it also represents a challenge when it comes to preserving the well-being of our furry dog. Sterilization triggers a series of hormonal changes that tend to reduce their physical activity and nullify their need to reproduce. With all these ingredients, we have the perfect recipe to multiply the risk of being overweight.
We must be aware that this problem affects 28% of cats in Spain, according to data from the Association for the Prevention of Obesity in Pets, and increases to 33% in the case of obesity. But how can we know if our kitten is obese? It’s simple: when we don’t notice the ribs when petting our feline or when the shape of his waist is blurred.
“Sterilization does not necessarily imply a significant weight gain in our cats, but it does require greater control of their diet,” explains Xavier Barà, technical director of Picart, manufacturer of nutritional products for the well-being of dogs and cats. “Finding the fragile balance between a diet low in energy and, at the same time, nutritious and with high palatability is only possible with natural and fresh foods.”
To prevent this problem, Picart recommends:
